> Shawn

> I was speculating above as curved planes would make the work easier in my
> opinion. I found that the block plane I made worked fairly well. The most
> challenging parts for me were getting the iron and breaker right, as well
> as getting the size of the mouth correct. Since planes require the hardest
> and straightest possible wood the possibility of chip out and marring the
> plane body is great when you are fine tuning things.

Actually, I had planned on using mild steel for the plane body. It is not as easy to shape, but OTOH, it's not as easy to misshape either! I have access to steel working tools at work, so I'm not afraid of the prospect. I do see it as an exercise - I'm quite sure that this small exercise will not turn out a Master Toolmaker!!!

I figured a block plane would be a simple first go for me. I have experience building other metal devices, so it might be successful. I know that building a fancy finish plane with an adjustable throat is well beyond my capabilities at this point!!!. Besides, with a block plane, all I need is something I can use to shape strips, and not fair long, highly visible surfaces.

Right, it would be quicker and easier to buy a commercial plane, but it would also be quicker and easier to buy a commercial kayak. Sometimes the pain of learning is what makes the use of the finished product that much more sweet!!

Happy building, Shawn

I found the exercise
> very challenging and suggest that you view plane making as just that, an
> exercise. Making a plane was very educational. It would be quicker and
> easier to use a commerially made iron plane. I have built one curved
> plane, very rough, and am pleased but did not expect much out of it.
> Curved planes are harder but for the serious, more than I am, or
> production builder of kayaks probably worth exploring. Let me know how
> your plane making goes.